Chronic Pelvic Pain [CPP]

CPP is defined as an intermittent or constant pain in the pelvis or the lower abdomen of at least 6 months duration. It is a common condition affecting 1 in 6 women of reproductive age.

Common conditions that may cause CPP include:

Endometriosis

Adhesion

Pelvic inflammatory disease [PID]

Irritable bowel syndrome

Bladder Pain Syndrome

Musculo-skeletal or nerve entrapment

‘No pathology’

Symptoms depend on the cause and CPP can have multiple causes. It can be a symptom of another disease, or it can be a condition in its own right. However, in many cases it is not possible to identify a single cause for CPP. In such case, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain and other symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Investigation

Laparoscopy can diagnose endometriosis, adhesion and PID. Some conditions can be treated at the same time if consents were given prior to operation.

Pelvic ultrasound scan may be beneficial in providing information regarding the uterus, ovaries and bladder.